Bucket Loading Trajectory Optimization for the Automated Wheel Loader

The bucket motion of a wheel loader during the loading process is investigated in this study. The optimal bucket loading trajectory can be obtained by solving an optimal control problem with the performance criteria of the fill factor, fuel efficiency and operation cycle time. A control-oriented model for the bucket loading operation is developed. Based on the control-oriented model, the bucket loading process is formulated as an optimal control problem with physical constraints. An open-source optimization solver, $OpenOCL$, is used to solve this problem. The simulation results show that the proposed method is effective in generating the optimal trajectory with significantly increased energy efficiency and productivity. This optimal trajectory can be employed as a reference for an automated wheel loader or as a driver advisory for a human operated wheel loader.